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Bruce Korf, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean for Genomic Medicine and distinguished professor of genetics at UAB is the recipient of the 2024 American College of Medical Genetics Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine’s David L. Rimoin Lifetime Achievement Award in Medical Genetics.
Photography: Lexi CoonBruce Korf, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean for Genomic Medicine and distinguished professor of genetics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is the recipient of the 2024 American College of Medical Genetics Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine’s David L. Rimoin Lifetime Achievement Award in Medical Genetics.
The award, the highest honor given by the ACMG Foundation, recognizes individuals with careers that have significantly contributed to the field of genetics and genomics, and whose characteristics embody those of Dr. Rimoin, for whom the honor is named.
“Dr. Korf is a leader in our field, demonstrating true leadership in defining the medical discipline of genomics,” said ACMG Foundation President Nancy J. Mendelsohn, M.D. “He is a dedicated teacher, championing genetics education and training, and an inspiring and devoted educator. He is an international leading authority as a clinician and scientist on the underlying pathophysiology, diagnosis and clinical care of patients with neurofibromatosis.”
“Having an award that bears Dr. Rimoin’s name is also a particular honor and very meaningful, given our many years of collaboration on ‘Principles and Practice of Medical Genetics’ and in the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics,” Korf said.
A world-renowned neurofibromatosis expert, Korf is known for spearheading the effort to drive its evolution from clinical diagnosis and surveillance to the possibility of treatment. Since he joined UAB in 2003, his contributions to medical research have not just been limited to NF, as he leads UAB’s Undiagnosed Diseases Program, which is part of the National Institutes of Health’s Undiagnosed Diseases Network, the All of Us Southern Network, part of the NIH-led All of Us Research Program, and the Alabama Genomic Health Initiative.
Over the course of more than four decades of research, clinical practice and service, Korf has written more than 154 peer-reviewed publications, 92 non-peer-reviewed manuscripts, 60 book chapters and four books with multiple editions. Korf’s work has earned the respect of patients and colleagues alike, helping students who are pursuing their own contributions in genetics while consistently advocating for medical genetics education to be integrated into mainstream health care.
Read more about Korf’s career here.